Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers
SOC Code: 49-9098
Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers carries a 15% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $38,860 and +2.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 98,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers (SOC 49-9098) carries an AI exposure score of 15%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 98,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $38,860, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Install or replace machinery, equipment, and new or replacement parts and instruments, using hand or power tools.
- 2. Examine and test machinery, equipment, components, and parts for defects to ensure proper functioning.
- 3. Tend and observe equipment and machinery to verify efficient and safe operation.
- 4. Adjust, connect, or disconnect wiring, piping, tubing, and other parts, using hand or power tools.
- 5. Assemble and maintain physical structures, using hand or power tools.
- 6. Clean or lubricate vehicles, machinery, equipment, instruments, tools, work areas, and other objects, using hand tools, power tools, and cleaning equipment.
- 7. Hold or supply tools, parts, equipment, and supplies for other workers.
- 8. Diagnose electrical problems and install and rewire electrical components.
- 9. Disassemble broken or defective equipment to facilitate repair and reassemble equipment when repairs are complete.
- 10. Position vehicles, machinery, equipment, physical structures, and other objects for assembly or installation, using hand tools, power tools, and moving equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Speaking
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Design
- Production and Processing
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers?
Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers has an AI exposure score of 15%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers is projected to grow by 2.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 98,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers?
Key skills for Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers earn?
The median annual wage for Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers is $38,860, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers?
The typical entry-level education for Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers?
Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).